If you are already in Sweden and want to apply for a work permit
The main rule is that you must apply for and obtain a permit before entering Sweden. Under certain circumstances, you can apply for and obtain a permit while in the country.
You can apply for a work permit while in Sweden if you
- want to extend your current permit and apply for an extension before your current permit expires
- have a work permit but need a new permit because you are switching employers or occupations
- have an employment you started as an asylum seeker, where you have been offered continued employment after you have had your asylum application denied
- have a residence permit to study at a university or university college
- have a residence permit in order to seek employment after finishing your studies
- have entered Sweden to see an employer (only applies if there is great demand for workers in the occupation)
- have a residence permit as a highly qualified person to look for work or explore the possibilities to start your own business in Sweden, and you apply for a work permit before your current permit expires.
If you are a non-EU national with a university degree or five years' professional experience and a salary equivalent to one and a half times the average gross salary in Sweden, you may apply for an EU Blue Card.
Read more about how to apply for an EU Blue Card
If you have an ICT permit for another EU state, you can apply for an extended-stay mobility ICT permit.
Read more about how to apply for an ICT permit
If you have a residence permit because of family ties to a partner in Sweden and the relationship has ended you can in some cases apply for a work permit without leaving Sweden. In order to do so you must have a job or a job offer and exceptional grounds for applying from within Sweden. Examples of exceptional grounds are that you have been legally residing in Sweden for a long time or have been granted multiple residence permits as a family member to your previous partner, and that you have personal circumstances which mean that it would be unreasonable to demand that you travel back to your home country to hand in your application. If you apply for a work permit before your current permit expires, you are entitled to keep working or start a new employment while waiting for a decision. Find out about application procedures under Extending a permit.
When you apply for a new job
When you apply for a new job, you need to include copies of documents that show that you have the right to stay and work in Sweden. You also need to bring your residence permit card with you. The employer will want to know the duration of your right to work in Sweden and if there are any limitations in your permit. The person that hires you will ask for a copy of the documents and will notify the Tax Agency of your employment.